#MasksOff: Living as our authentic selves

Introduction?

Neurodiversity in Business volunteer Hayley O. offers a discussion point around whether neurodivergent people can/should stop masking. Masking is the term for altering or camouflaging behaviour to appear neurotypical. While it will not be advisable to unmask in every situation, showing up as their authentic, unmasked selves whenever possible has positive impacts on neurodivergent people’s mental health.?

Practice self-compassion?

I think everyone who is neurodivergent (ND) needs a standing ovation. (With the sound off.)?

All the setbacks, judgemental looks and opinions have followed us throughout life: Too blunt, too rude, too loud, too shy, too sensitive, too much!??

It’s exhausting! That’s why many of us mask – to fit into what society deems acceptable. Yet, with all of this, we still get back up and move forward in whatever way we can. These may be baby steps or big steps. Progress is measured by your journey alone, not everyone else’s.??

I don’t know about you, but I am done with being a square peg in a round hole, I want to be the shape I was born to be, what I should be allowed to be.??

Be compassionate to those around you??

We all have unconscious biases. We have been programmed to think, feel and act a certain way since birth. If someone does not comply, they get sent to the naughty corner of society.??

When you meet or work with someone who seems to be unsociable or blunt, you have the opportunity to think differently. They could have some battle they are facing or could be in a heightened state of anxiety. Show some compassion – it’s the humane thing to do. I think we can all do better with this!??

Take the mask off!??

To all the children, teenagers and adults of the ND tribe, let’s take the masks off! Let’s be our authentic selves. We deserve to live a full and happy life, without the crippling anxiety and inner monologue that a life of systemic conditioning has done.?

Being a late-diagnosed ADHDer has been a freeing experience. I have been given my identity back, and I am working on being myself without the mask. It is a tricky skill to master! I do not have it all together (nobody really does), but I have made a promise to myself that I will live without my mask!?

Put those fears to bed and talk about your passions and special interests. I will listen, and if others don’t, fine just move on to the next person. You are not going to click with everyone, and that is the point. If we were all the same, it would be a very dull planet!??

Mask off, chin up and let’s be our brilliant, kooky authentic selves! #MasksOff?